Empties vol. 57
Can you believe it’s already almost March? I swear, this year started out so slow and somehow we’re already at the end of winter. This month I have a few noteworthy empties to share and there are some real winners in this batch. Unfortunately, this isn’t everything because I accidentally tossed the other – bigger – empties bag before I photographed everything, but this is still a respectable pile in my opinion. Without further ado, check out my final thoughts on all of the products below!
SKINCARE:
1 // Maybena Rice x Glutathione Mela-care 60 Water In Serum* ($29) – I’ve been gatekeeping this serum, mostly because it’s frustrating to promote a product with such limited availability. To get your hands on it, you would have to shop from some obscure retailers and none of the big ones carry the brand. Amazon has a few products, but not this particular serum. The main thing I liked about this one is the visible brightening effect on my cheek redness and the milky bi-phase consistency that helps lock in moisture. I also really enjoyed the packaging design – this lovely serum comes in aesthetically pleasing frosted glass bottle that feels weighty and luxurious.
Do you need this? I wouldn’t call it a must-have, but this is a very good and gentle brightening serum that can be used with other brightening products for a more rapid effect. If only it was easier to buy in the US.
2 // Brandefy Superfood Nourish Cleanser* ($29) – This formula was inspired by the viral Youth To The People Kale Cleanser and I think it’s pretty close to the original – even the bottles look similar! I’m currently using the OG and honestly wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. This cleanser really gets deep into my enlarged pores and helps remove excess oil and impurities without leaving me with an overly dry face. I really enjoyed this cleanser and highly recommend it to any fellow oily/combo girlies, plus you can get it at a fraction of the cost of the YTTP. It works well to remove non-waterproof makeup, and as the second step to your oil or balm cleansing routine.
Do you need this? A true gem for oily & combo skin, I highly recommend it!
3 // Naked Sundays CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF 50+* ($28) – This sunscreen was a pleasant surprise. I received it right before my trip to the Philippines this summer and decided to bring it along because Australian formulas are known for being highly effective. It held up well against the heat and the humidity, and by the end of the trip my skin tone has barely changed despite spending many hours outdoors every day in the mid 90s weather. Watery texture makes it easy to spread on the skin, and it doesn’t wear like a typical sticky sunscreen at all. Fabulous product and fabulous brand, I’m a new fan!
Do you need this? It’s definitely expensive for the amount you get, but very effective at preventing sunburn.
4 // Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Glow Sun Ampoule SPF 50+ ($15) – First things first, this is a daily sunscreen, meaning it’s not suitable for wearing under intense sun, for swimming, and outdoor activities. It is not waterproof or sweatproof and will melt off on contact with water. Daily sunscreens have more elegant, skincare-like formulas, and are meant to be used for casual everyday wear when you don’t expect to sweat, swim, or spend a long time outdoors. This is one of my favorite Korean sunscreens in this category and it’s so affordable, too! I’ve repurchased it several times and received it in PR from the brand. It has a lightweight, milky consistency that almost feels like a serum, and wears comfortably under makeup. I like to use it over my daily moisturizer and it helps protect my skin from any accidental UV exposure from big windows, skylights, etc. I also like to wear it on my daily walks, and it works well because I walk at a casual pace without breaking a sweat.
Do you need this? It’s hard to beat the value, especially if you can get it on sale. Fantastic daily SPF for those slow days!
5 // Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse* ($20) – This is another product that I received in PR and repurchased on my own – it really is that good. This might be one of my favorite moisturizers of all time, it ticks all the boxes for my skin. The texture is creamy but not too heavy, it quickly melts while you spread it on the skin, creating a thin comfortable barrier. The formula is enhanced with a super concentrated form of CICA extract called TECA, so it works even better for soothing sensitivities. It’s a must try if you’re dealing with surface redness, which I have a lot of as a daily tret user. The brand promises other benefits, like brightening, firming, and wrinkle smoothing, but to me the fact that it actually reduces redness is the main one. It works for all skin types and has so many benefits that there’s definitely something you’ll find helpful. It’s not unscented, but the fragrance is very mild and barely noticeable. To me it smells faintly like berries, or maybe something herbal and medicinal, but not unpleasant. PSA: If you have a Costco membership you can get a 2-pacik for $39.99 – that’s is a steal!
Do you need this? This is one of the few moisturizers that I can honestly recommend to anyone. It works for many different skin types and concerns, and perfectly suited for everyday use.
6 // The Whoo Imperial Youth Cream* ($530) – This is only a travel-sized product but I still wanted to share it here, if only to show the stunning packaging design. I love that it has the imperial phoenix on the jar, it looked just like the original one I saw in Seoul last summer. The formula feels very luxurious and nourishing, it’s really more of a balm than a cream. The texture reminds me of other luxe moisturizers I tried – Sisleya L’Integral Anti-age and Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream. The formula is really indulgent and envelops the skin like a cozy blanket. If you experience any tightness or age-related dryness, this type of cream is ideal to support weakened, mature skin and deliver long-lasting comfort that many other creams can’t.
Do you need this? Probably not. It’s very nice, but the price makes it hard to justify. You should look into Shiseido as a cheaper alternative.
BATH & BODY:
7 // Molton Brown Neon Amber Bath & Shower Gel ($36) – I’ve been a fan of Molton Brown body washes for over a decade. They are treated as an extension of their respective fragrance lines, with strong scents that linger on your skin for hours after the shower. The formulas are never drying and highly sudzy – a tiny dime-sized amount will be enough to cover your whole body, especially if you use a loofah. Some of these body washes, like Neon Amber, even contain glitter to make the bathing experience even more fun. Those little glitters don’t actually stay on the skin and fully wash off – this is all just for fun and your aesthetic experience.
Do you need this? Absolutely not, but it’s fun and would make a great gift.
8 // Juliette Has a Gun Pear Inc ($115) – It’s a very simple, fresh, easy to wear sparkling pear fragrance that feels inoffensive and safe. A bit fruity and sweet-but-not-too-sweet with a hint of musky amber. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t last on my skin.
Do you need this? Perfume is very individual but if you are looking for something light and springy to wear to the office, this one is worth a sniff.
Have you tried any of these? What’s your favorite skincare product that you recently emptied?
*indicates PR samples
